Embarking on the journey to become an SBI Clerk (Junior Associate) involves a structured selection process designed to identify the most suitable candidates. From the initial application to receiving your joining letter, each stage is crucial.
The selection journey for the SBI Clerk (Junior Associate) 2026-27 is a multi-stage process, beginning with online application and culminating in a final merit list based on your performance in the Main Examination and successful completion of subsequent qualifying stages.
Selection Stages
Apply online
Candidates must apply online through the official SBI website. The application window for regular vacancies is August 11 to August 31, 2026, and for backlog vacancies, it is August 7 to August 27, 2026.
Preliminary Examination
The preliminary exam is an online objective test consisting of 100 questions for 100 marks, with a duration of 1 hour. It has sectional timings. Marks from this stage are not counted for the final selection, but candidates must qualify to proceed to the Mains exam. Typically held in September 2026.
Main Examination
Candidates shortlisted from the Prelims will appear for the Main Examination. This is an online objective test of 190 questions for 200 marks, with a duration of 2 hours 40 minutes, and has sectional timings. Marks from the Mains exam are considered for the final merit list. Expected in November 2026.
Local Language Proficiency Test (LPT)
Candidates who have not studied the specified local language in Class 10 or 12 must undergo a Local Language Proficiency Test. This test is qualifying in nature, and failure to pass will result in the cancellation of the appointment offer. There are no marks for this test, and it is not considered for the final merit list.
Document Verification
Provisionally selected candidates will undergo document verification to confirm their eligibility and the authenticity of their submitted credentials.
Final Selection
The final merit list is prepared based on the aggregate marks obtained in the Main Examination, subject to qualifying the Local Language Proficiency Test and document verification. There is no interview in the SBI Clerk recruitment.
How The Final Merit Is Made
The final merit list for the SBI Clerk (Junior Associate) recruitment is computed solely based on the aggregate marks obtained by candidates in the Main Examination. Marks secured in the Preliminary Examination are purely for qualification and are not considered for the final selection. Additionally, candidates must successfully qualify the Local Language Proficiency Test (LPT) and clear the Document Verification stage to be eligible for the final appointment. There is no interview component in the SBI Clerk selection process.
Documents You'll Need
- Printout of the online application form
- Proof of Date of Birth (Matriculation Certificate/Birth Certificate)
- Photo Identity Proof (PAN Card/Passport/Driving License/Voter ID/Aadhar Card with photograph)
- Mark sheets and certificates for educational qualifications (10th, 12th, Graduation)
- Caste Certificate (if applicable, for SC/ST/OBC candidates) in the prescribed format
- Disability Certificate (if applicable, for PwBD candidates)
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) if employed in Government/Quasi-Government offices or Public Sector Undertakings
- Experience certificates (if any)
- EWS Certificate (if applicable)
- Any other relevant documents as specified in the official notification
Selection FAQs
Q1: Are marks from the Preliminary Exam counted in the final selection for SBI Clerk?
No, marks from the Preliminary Examination are only for qualifying to the Main Examination and are not counted towards the final merit list.
Q2: Is there an interview stage for SBI Clerk recruitment?
No, there is no interview in the SBI Clerk (Junior Associate) recruitment process.
Q3: What is the Local Language Proficiency Test (LPT)?
The LPT is a qualifying test for candidates who have not studied the specified local language in Class 10 or 12. Failing this test will lead to cancellation of the appointment offer.
Q4: Is normalization applied to SBI Clerk exam scores?
Normalization is not explicitly mentioned for the SBI Clerk exam in the provided information. However, for other SBI exams like SBI PO, marks are normalized.